Measurable Course Learning Requirements
Course Learning Requirements (CLRs), or learning outcomes, describe what the learner will know and/or be able to do upon successful completion of a course. They form the foundation for which the rest of the course content and assessments should be based. Well-written CLRs focus on the outcome of learning, not the process; they should be specific, measurable, and observable. They should begin with a specific, observable verb, and should therefore avoid internal-state verbs such as know, learn, and understand.
Course Learning Requirements are strategically written to support the achievement of the program (or vocational) learning outcomes. Therefore, changes to them may have broad implication on the wholistic program. For new course development, CLRs are already decided and approved by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and may not be changed. It is important, however, to reflect on these changes throughout the program lifecycle and during opportunities for revision.
Questions to Guide Development:
- Does each learning outcome begin with a specific, observable verb?
- Does each learning outcome describe what a student should know or be able to do by the end of the course?
- Do the learning outcomes encourage the inclusion of marginalized groups and diverse perspectives?
- Are the learning outcomes suited to the level of the course? Do they reflect incremental knowledge and skill-building that contributes to the achievement of program-level learning outcomes (VLOs/PLOs)?